Planning Knoebel's/Hersheypark trip in October

It was really great running into you the many times we met up, Billy! I don't know why we didn't hang out more, but it always seemed like you were headed where I was coming from. Either way, next year - and I'll have to come to Great America one of these days.

I just noticed that the 2012 ACE calendar has PPP scheduled for 10/13/12. Since I didn't go Saturday, maybe I'll make this second one.

Seriously, was the date ever re-scheduled? Or was it just another ACE "oopsie" (see my previous thread about the opening date of SooperDooperLooper, also on this year's calendar.)

Someone probably assumed, Mike.

The date for PPP-- actually the dates for the Covered Bridge Festival-- are tied into the dates for the Bloomsburg Fair. The Fair runs for 8 days around the end of September from Saturday to Saturday. PPP is on the Saturday following that. Occasionally, the fair will run into the first few days of October, depending how the calendar plays out. Next year's fair dates are September 21-28, so you can be reasonably sure that PPP will be October 5.

BTW, feel free to show up at Knoebels on the 13th. Hallo-Fun will be going on from 6-10. Same attractions, different cast of characters.

^And probably a helluva lot less crowded. Thanks for the info, RGB. I won't be making it, though. I'm working Saturday and Sunday, then finishing off the park season at GAdv on the 20th and Dorney/GAdv on the 27th/28th.

Lol crowded? This year's PPP and craft fair was the least crowded I've seen in years! Sunday was even better, everything was walk on, and the lines for food in the craft fair were only ever 1 or 2 people deep.

I finally had my pork chop on a stick!

RatherGoodBear said:

BTW, feel free to show up at Knoebels on the 13th. Hallo-Fun will be going on from 6-10. Same attractions, different cast of characters.

I believe that Hallo-Fun starts at 2PM on Saturdays this year.

Unfortunately, I don't remember seeing the bumper cars listed as running, which is strange since they're right next to Kiddieland, which IS listed.

Jim, you're correct about the hours. I was still on last year's schedule. They're open on Sunday afternoons too this year. Looks like the only attraction open on the "other" side of the bridges is the Carousel. Only the section of Kiddieland on the Haunted Mansion side of the creek is open. I suppose all bridges except for the covered bridge will be closed off.

http://www.knoebels.com/images/pdf/MediaDownloads/hallofunweb.pdf

Can't really blame them for not having the Dodgems or other attractions open in that area. It would be difficult to restrict traffic with all the paths and buildings in that part of the park.

It is cool to see them open more and more rides each year. Only a few years ago, there was one path lined the entire way with benches leading from the Chalet to the Haunted Mansion and nothing was open beyond Phoenix Junction.

GayCoasterGuy said:

Holy cow, what a great time PPP was! Great to see many of you - again and/or for the first time. I forgot how much Knoebel's rocks. Looks like this will be my "must" trip for next year.

Good to meet you there briefly Billy! And I was impressed you identified me so quickly, even though I wasn't wearing anything Tigger-ish. (Well, for the record... I *was* wearing Tigger, it was just under two other layers of clothing).

Jim S. said:
I believe that Hallo-Fun starts at 2PM on Saturdays this year.

Unfortunately, I don't remember seeing the bumper cars listed as running, which is strange since they're right next to Kiddieland, which IS listed.

The Spiral Slide is one of my favorites, but as for the bumper cars...well, let's just say my lower back feels pretty sore, but otherwise phantastic after this weekend. I hope it was an oversight, it would be sad to get to KG and see the Lusses sitting idle.

^I didn't even get to that part of the park, darnit. I haven't ridden the spiral slide since my first Knoebel's visit in 1997. 2 days at the park just isn't enough... I didn't get a chance to try many of the foods everyone talks about either, or the birch beer or the cider, etc...

^^It was easy to identify you Tigger, as you have a clear picture of yourself posted as your avatar :) I would have liked to hang around longer, but had too much on my plate at that moment - bathroom, needed a pop and asprin from car, etc.

I can't wait until next year's PPP.

The only downsides to PPP are that it comes at the end of the "season" (that's what you yankees call it, right?), and I live too far away to return for Hella-Fun weekends.

I will be going to knoebels on the 20th/21st how busy is the park during the Halloween weekends usually?

We were bummed out we missed Phunfest, but are going this Saturday. Scored all day ride bands, and 1 admission for the haunted mansion, black diamond, and the antique cars for $32.15 for my wife and I on a local 1/2 price site. What a bargain.

Nitro, This is the first year the park will be open on a Sunday for Hallo-fun and also Saturday afternoons, so there's no precedent to go by. I've seen light crowds to heavier crowds at night in previous years. Crowds are manageable, and I've never experienced a ridiculously long wait for anything. Longest wait might be a few rides on the Pioneer train, and the Antique Cars of course.

People who want to see things lit up will be there at night, but maybe people who don't want to be there if it's chilly or people with smaller kids may decide to go during the day. I guess we'll find out.

Fantom where did you get that? That's a great deal.

http://www.getmyperks.com/deal/18541/enjoy-family-friendly-fun-at-k...ights/nepa

I'm going to knoebels tomorrow and I can't wait! I was curious if the haunted antique cars are worth the price/wait. Also is there any can't miss seasonal food. I know some of the food stands are limited. Also is the skyway open during hallo fun?